Supreme Court's Judgement: 5 key takeaways from Peter Obi’s ‘World Press Conference’

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, hosted 'an international press conference' on Monday, November 6.

Reacting to the Supreme Court's ruling, Obi accused the apex court of ignoring evidence which he said further dampens citizens’ trust in the judiciary.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra state, faulted the verdict of the apex court but conceded that his legal tussle to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended.

1) Obidient movement remains

Obi accepted the judgement of the Supreme Court which affirmed the election of President Tinubu. He, however, added that the Obidient movement stays. The movement is seen as the umbrella name for Obi's supporters.

His words: "The energy and dedication of Nigerian youths and the Obedient movement have been simply amazing. I appreciate and salute them.

"I want to assure them that this is not the end of our journey; but in fact, the beginning. Nigeria heard you.

"The world has taken note and will not forget so easily. We shall endure and persist until we get to our destination because a new Nigeria is our destination."

2) Supreme Court 'breached' citizens’ confidence in judiciary

Obi claimed the apex court "willfully condoned" breaches of the Nigerian constitution, about established qualifications and prerequisites for candidates in presidential elections.

According to the 62-year-old, "the Supreme Court did not only exhibit a disturbing aversion to public opinion, but it also abandoned its responsibility as the court of law and policy".

3) Focus appears shifted to 2027

Going by his speech, Obi appears to have shifted focus to the 2027 presidential election.

He said his dream for a new Nigeria has not ended with the October 26, 2023 verdict of the Supreme Court.

4) 'INEC shifted goal post'

Obi accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of shifting the goalpost in the middle of the game during the February 2023 election.

He blamed the electoral body for his defeat saying INEC ‘shifted the goalpost in the middle of the game'.

Legit.ng reports that Obi came third in the election with 6,101,533 votes, winning in 11 states and the FCT, Abuja.

5) 'Forgery allegation against Tinubu treated with levity'

Obi accused the Supreme Court of treating the allegations of forgery and identity theft against President Tinubu with levity.

He lamented that Nigerians would become the victim of such levity.

The forgery allegation Obi talked about was the international political dispute that placed Chicago State University (CSU) in the middle of a bitter Nigerian presidential fight.

Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was primarily behind the case.